Marjim Manor Musings

January 5 - Paranormally speaking

When people renovate a house, often there is more paranormal activity. Our renovations have a restoration bend.  So, how do my spirits respond? Quietly. At least so far.

In the last week, I've been awakened by music. But could find nothing turned on. A couple of customers have told me about hearing footsteps in areas of the house we thought were empty. We have had some trouble turning one of the fireplaces on and off. With a gas insert and a remote control, you'd like it would be easy. But some days it is, and some days it isn't. And yes, we had maintenance done a couple of months ago.

So, I did what I always do - research. Research about paranormal activity and renovations. I think that my spirits haven't decided how to feel about the renovations. The chapel has been here since the 1940's, from what I can tell. Even though we are restoring the walls, the fireplaces are still gone and the radiators in place. So, perhaps the spirits are being cautious. 

Shubal's birthday is coming at the end of the month, as is Florella's. Traditionally those have been active days here. So, we'll just have to see what happens. In the meantime, I'll just keep listening.

Kom Pai!

Jan 4 - National Chocolate Covered Cherry Week

It’s also National Chocolate Covered Cherry week. Who knew?

 

Of course, as many people know, cherries are not my favorite fruit. However, chocolate can overcome almost anything. Cherry Rhapsody is wonderful with dark chocolate. Cherry Concerto is perfect with milk chocolate. I’ve always wondered – if chocolate is a bean, doesn’t that make it a vegetable?

 

This week the winery will be closed – we have some painting and sprucing up to do. My commute is as short as ever, so if you really can’t be without my wines, call. It’s easy enough – although you’ll be tiptoeing through the drop cloths.

We will be open on Saturday and Sunday if you want to check on the progress with the renovations.

 

But for now, enjoy a chocolate covered cherry. A sweet start for a new week.

 

Skal!

January 3 - What a weekend!

Winter has come to Western New York. Although we don't have the snow of other areas, the winds are blowing what little snow we have! It seems that the customers were blown into the building this weekend!

Saturday was a typical day - bursts of customers, a few limos, and a birthday celebration. One of "our" brides was feted by a group of friends with her husband as the DD. We were thrilled to be part of their festivities.

Sunday was quieter - the colder weather was one factor, the Bills game another. Seeing everyone's new year smiles made the day so enjoyable.

We're also starting the new year with renovations: the chapel has been gutted and new wallboard is going up. We found a piece of the original wallpaper. The current plan is to paint the room while I research the style and availability of reproductions. The main tasting room is being painted also.

How do my cats feel about this cold weather? Shoe was outside for about 10 minutes. The other cats stuck their noses outside, put one paw on the snow and backtracked as quickly as possible. As I type this Sally, Raymond, William Shakespeare and Tootsie are in their traditional posts. All purring at being inside and warm. Meshuganeh is probably in front of the fireplace with her grandson Shoe at her side.

Both the cats and I hope you are warm and cozy - and ready for a fun year.

Na zdrovie

Jan 2 - National Soup Month

January 2:

 

It’s National Soup Month! Whenever I think of soup, I think of my grandmother’s home made Chicken Soup – with matza balls. At one point, I asked her for the recipe, expecting her to get a box with index cards like my mother had. She looked at me for a minute and said she’d have to think. A week later, I received a letter. Her recipe was actually an instruction manual:  ”First you go and buy a roasting chicken. Some people like to cut it up, but you can use it whole just the same.”

 

Although my grandmothers, both widows, visited us frequently, a trip to New York City was a rare and special event. I still remember the long table in her living room. My family, my paternal uncle and his family and whichever of my grandmother’s siblings were available squeezed in the narrow space. No matter what time of year, or what occasion, the first course was always chicken soup with matza balls.

 

So, this month I’ll make a pot or two of chicken soup. Maybe I’ll add in matza balls, maybe kluski noodles for my husband.  Either way, it will be a memory filled day.

 

L’chaim (To Life).